I am a 13 year survivor and wonder all the time just where it may return.
2006-08-20 21:53:08 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I had a bilateral mastectomy as well as chemo and radiation. I don't worry every day, but find myself wondering from time to time. Especially when I am awake late at night like this. :o)
2006-08-20 22:05:55 · update #1
I am currently fighting Metastic Breast Cancer to the liver. The bones, lungs and liver are the major places it can travel. However also the brain, and the kidneys. Really it can Metastiasis to any place.
There is a wonderful book called Choices: The most complete sourcebook for cancer information. It's 19.00 and it tells everything about breast cancer.
also check out the website http://www.plwc.org click on cancers then breast cancer
Congrats. on 13 years. I hope I can say that someday.
Best of luck to you and you are in my thoughts! :) Take Care
2006-08-21 14:35:10 · answer #1 · answered by pinkribbons&walking4boobies 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on 13 years! It's normal to worry, especially with what you went through.
Places that breast cancer is likely to metastasize to: Bone, lung, liver, and brain.
I think you were at a much higher risk or a recurrence of breast cancer , Not an issue now since the mastectomy. You still are at a slightly higher risk of developing other cancers than the general population, but after 13 years I think its doubtful that you would have a metastasis (or spreading) of the original tumor.
You would have symptoms or your doctors would have detected it by now.
Usually I believe its 5 years after completion of treatment (surgery, chemo, or radiation) before you can finally rest at ease that all of the primary tumor was eradicated without metastasizing.
Pet scans are wonderful screening tools that can screen the entire body for the development of cancer.
2006-08-21 04:57:56 · answer #2 · answered by Cheryl S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a complete list of likely sites for recurrence or metastases on the American Cancer Society website. Some of the most common are the lungs, the liver and the bones, as well as spread to the other breast.
Breast cancer can recur 13 years out but it is quite rare. You should still be having an good physical exam every year to keep watch for any possiblity of new disease.
You would benefit from attending support groups for survivors and also from a frank talk with your oncologist about what warning signs should alert you to possible trouble.
And if you still have any breast tissue, mammograms are still needed and even if both breasts are gone you should examine your chest monthly for any abonormalities.
You are wonderful long term survivor but it sounds like your anxiety is have a very negative impact on the quality of your life. Seeking counselling can make you less tense and much happier and better equipped to cope with continuing good health or any new issues.
2006-08-21 05:07:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lungs, liver and bones. The recurrence rate is about 5% after total mastectomy and removing armpit lymph nodes when the nodes are found not to have cancer.
2006-08-21 05:05:30 · answer #4 · answered by gangadharan nair 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are very lucky. There are new drugs that are said to block estrogen and some people believe in them. Thirteen years points to good prognosis. Have a mammogram/sonogram every six months. The secret is to catch any cancer quickly. Don't worry about it, just find it early for good results. I chose not to go with the hormone therapy but do diligently pursue early detection. Good luck!
2006-08-21 05:29:08 · answer #5 · answered by jodie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may never return, When you lay awake at nite or just say a prayer of thanks that the lord has walked you thru 13 years of cancer free life. Live the healthiest life possible and be at peace.
Cancer RN x 12 years.
2006-08-21 18:41:01 · answer #6 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother is going through metastasis of her breast cancer. She has cancer in her upper arm bone (humerus) and in her lungs. So far, she has lived with it for nine years, so hopefully she'll stay strong.
Best wishes to you!
2006-08-21 05:07:25 · answer #7 · answered by Honest Jane 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the lungs. But 13 years, I say your going strong!
2006-08-21 04:59:39 · answer #8 · answered by deedleydee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bless you (if that offended you i am sorry) I am happy that you are a 13 year survivor. the future is unknown but try not to stress and worry about it, live you life loving life not in fear. continue having your check ups and check for signs in the shower etc.. i wish you the best of luck in your life and you'll always be in my prayers
2006-08-21 04:59:01 · answer #9 · answered by ShySweetNSassy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lymph nodes in arm pits - check them for lumps
Talk to your doctor about your anxiety - 13 years is a long time.
2006-08-21 04:59:29 · answer #10 · answered by ladybugewa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋